The climbing wall is an Entre-Prises Imprint wall with over 1600 square feet of climbing surface. The wall stands at 40 feet high and 40 feet wide, containing both top-rope routes and bouldering problems for climbers of all skill levels. An additional bouldering rock and hang board are available.

Classes

At Western Oregon University, we pride ourselves on teaching the necessary skills needed to explore climbing as a lifelong fitness and recreational opportunity. Our philosophy is to always reward climbers with praise and positive reinforcement for a job well done. Climbers are never forced to perform. We wait until each climber is ready to progress. We believe that with patience, encouragement, and practice, our students will make the most of their time on the wall.

Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday classes are four weeks long consisting of eight lessons; each lesson lasts 45 minutes

Registration is completed at the front desk of the Health and Wellness Center using cash/check during operational hours. Registration begins the last week of the previous set of classes (i.e. the last week of spring classes summer registration is open). The registration deadline is the Thursday prior to the start date. A $10 cancellation fee will be charged if canceling after the registration deadline. Classes are filled on a first-come first-served basis. Climbers should be placed in classes according to their age and previous experience.

Ages: 4+Prerequisite: nonePurpose: Instruction is given in basic fundamentals of climbing safety as well as basic movement skills and techniques. No prior experience is needed. In addition to introducing skills, climbers will become acclimated to the wall environment and develop confidence and competence.

Some of the skills to be introduced include:

Bouldering and top rope safety

Climbing communication

Equipment use

Basic movement techniques

Climbing hold identification and use

Parents/guardians will be required to complete the belay orientation class at the beginning of the course to help belay their climber for the duration of the course. We require one parent/guardian for every two climbers.

Level 2

Ages: 4+Prerequisite: Passing Level 1 (or demonstrating Level 1 skills on the first day of class)Purpose: This course is intended for climbers who have passed Level 1 to ensure a baseline set of knowledge and skills. Climbers should be comfortable with basic climbing and lowering, as well as standard safety checks for a climber and belayer. Climbers in Level 2 will be exposed to a broad variety of topics and skills that build the foundation for effective climbing. Climbers will learn to demonstrate mastery of skills that are required for Level 3.

More advanced topics will be covered, including:

Self-guided warm-ups and stretching

Development of balance

Introduction to routes and ratings

Route reading and sequencing

Additional movement techniques to promote effective climbing

Parents/guardians will be required to have a current climbing waiver on file, and may need complete the belay orientation class at the beginning of the course to fulfill this requirement. We require one parent/guardian for every two climbers.

Level 3

Ages: 12+Prerequisites: Age 12+ and passing Level 2Purpose: Our most advanced course, Level 3 will prepare climbers to use advanced movement and technical skills to become proficient climbers. Emphasis will be placed on climbing as part of a healthy lifestyle and a lifelong physical activity. In addition to hard skills, topics will include belay skills, movement theory, mental training and lead climbing. Additional topics may cover outdoor climbing, setting theory and use of other equipment.

Additional topics covered:

Belay skills

Integration of climbing as a lifelong sport

Knots and hitches

Training for climbing

Lead climbing

Parent/guardian participation is encouraged but not required to belay, but must be present during class time. Climbing time will be maximized if a parent/guardian is present to belay. As part of continued mastery of climbing techniques, Level 3 climbers may be expected to assist instructors in the demonstration of Level 1 and 2 skills.

Lead Climbing

This class is designed to provide an introduction to indoor lead climbing. The class is geared for experienced top rope climbers at a consistent 5.9 level or better, with a minimum of 6 months top rope/ belaying experience. This 6 hour class covers the basics of indoor lead climbing.

Upon completion of the class, participants will:

Understand the risk and added safety considerations associated with lead climbing such as fall factors, back-clipping and z-clipping.